QR Code. Trend or Here to Stay?

You can't avoid them. QR (Quick Response) Codes are popping up everywhere. Yesterday you noticed one one in a magazine, today at the supermarket, tomorrow at the bank. Many may know what they are, however too many are confused by them and far more seem to care less. In today's fast pace society, ironically, we are in too much of a hurry to fire up our smart phone app and scan these silly checkerboard squares. Soon marketers will make it easier for you with incentives, free meals at fast food chains, fancy expensive prizes, and, of course 1 MILLION DOLLARS!

So will you jump on the QR bandwagon, or is it too much of a pain in the ass like Facebook and Twitter were? I'm in but can't stand the flat 2-d black and white variety so I tweak them a bit, like this blog's QRCode.

Technology moves fast, staying ahead of the curve can be a full time job but if you play the game and utilize the many free means of marketing and communication than QR Codes are for you. Standing out from the crowd can help differentiate your QR from the rest. You can manipulate up to 30% of the code and still have it work and with some trial and error you can make some pretty cool stuff! Check out this delicious code!

QReo is a scannable QR Code made out of Oreo cookies. It was created by ad agency Redpepper (see their making-of video).

GEAR GRAB

Working with Lobsters on the Fly and The Gulf of Maine Lobster Foundation on their GEAR GRAB event where lobstermen and woman scour Maine coast picking up fishing related gear. Images of tee coming soon.

New Company Brand Cheaper than an iPad2

Not sure if you've heard of these new design competition sites popping the net lately but if you're a place looking for a cool new brand, site, or a tee-shirt, and want to offer little compensation to get it, well these places are for you. 99DESIGNS is one of them and I have to say, they seem to be onto something, but who is really making out here? The companies looking for a new look pays roughly $300 for a new brand and designers from all over the world upload their spin on the request. If the company likes one of them they pay the chosen designer $300 minus a few fees and what not.

I was intrigued and thought I'd give it a shot. Here's what I came up with for multiple contests all paying around $300.

No takers but it was a good exercise and has made me ask the question again, are the designers better off to have the ability to compete without even meeting a client or is the client better off getting hundreds of options for little upfront to no cost? Tough question to answer. I will always prefer the face to face approach but appreciate what 99DESIGNS is doing, I only wish the pay outs were more in tune with what a decent brand would go for. I understand why a Mom & Pop would jump all over this, but so are the big companies who look at this as a cost saving measure, slashing designers one by one!

However if you're a designer and think you got what it takes, and are in need of a little cash, check them out and good luck! 99designs.com

New Beginings

It's been a while since my last post, so I'm looking to start fresh, new, over. Since leaving my full time gig in April I've found a nice steady project to sell in a market that is all around me. Lobstering Is An Art has been a huge eye opener in the potential of what is possible and we are really excited about where this will take us. We've met so many great people in the lobstering community and looking forward to meeting so many more! We've also met so many talented artists and creative folks as well as networking with other designers and marketers in Maine. There is a lot involved running your own business, but with every hat worn and each new opportunity given, it's the best thing you'll ever do for yourself.

On top of LIAA I'm still doing my own personal work and freelance for select clients. As I go I'll be adding more to this blog including stories, images, opportunities, tips/tricks, freelance and other happenings while Andy is designing.

Enjoy and be well!